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Mom’s “iPhone Contract” to Her 13-Year-Old Son Goes Viral

Janell Burley Hofmann, a mom blogger from Cape Cod, Mass., wanted to make sure that her son was clear on the rules for using this highly coveted gadget--her rules, 18 of them, to be exact. And boy, have these rules gone viral.

You may have heard the story about the mom who gave her 13-year-old son an iPhone for Christmas, and with it, included an 18-point contract that her son needed to agree upon before getting it into his hands.

Janell Burley Hofmann, a mom blogger from Cape Cod, Mass., wanted to make sure that her son was clear on the rules for using this highly coveted gadget--her rules, 18 of them, to be exact. And boy, have these rules gone viral.

They are being covered on every major news and broadcast outlet and have clearly touched on a sentiment, both positive and negative. Reading through comments on news site, you can see everything from adamant support to disdain for the mom – either lauding her for her ingenuity or blasting her for being too controlling, and everything else in between. But for the most part, her supporters seem to far outweigh the naysayers.

Here's a shot of them being interviewed on "Good Morning America."

According to her post on Huffington Post, the contract starts off with “"Merry Christmas! You are now the proud owner of an iPhone. Hot Damn! You are a good & responsible 13 year old boy and you deserve this gift. But with the acceptance of this present comes rules and regulations."

Here are some of the 18 rules:

1. It is my phone. I bought it. I pay for it. I am loaning it to you. Aren't I the greatest? 2. I will always know the password. 3. If it rings, answer it. It is a phone. Say hello, use your manners. Do not ever ignore a phone call if the screen reads "Mom" or "Dad". Not ever. 4. Hand the phone to one of your parents promptly at 7:30pm every school night & every weekend night at 9:00pm. It will be shut off for the night and turned on again at 7:30am. If you would not make a call to someone's land line, wherein their parents may answer first, then do not call or text. Listen to those instincts and respect other families like we would like to be respected. 5. It does not go to school with you. Have a conversation with the people you text in person. It's a life skill. *Half days, field trips and after school activities will require special consideration. 6. If it falls into the toilet, smashes on the ground, or vanishes into thin air, you are responsible for the replacement costs or repairs. Mow a lawn, babysit, stash some birthday money. It will happen, you should be prepared. 7. Do not use this technology to lie, fool, or deceive another human being. Do not involve yourself in conversations that are hurtful to others. Be a good friend first or stay the hell out of the crossfire. 8. Do not text, email, or say anything through this device you would not say in person. 9. Do not text, email, or say anything to someone that you would not say out loud with their parents in the room. Censor yourself. 10. No porn. Search the web for information you would openly share with me. If you have a question about anything, ask a person ? preferably me or your father.

Read the rest here.

Seems like most of these rules are ones that any and all gadget owners should abide by, regardless of their age. And I love her last point. That’s one smart mom.

What do you think of his mom’s contract? Would you create something similar for your child and is there anything you would add?

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